Spiritual Growth · Devotionals · Overcoming and Faith · Christian Life
And why is this happening to me?
3 min read, approximately
“These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Often, when someone asks us for a verse, a slight smile appears on our faces as we all recite the famous John 3:16. Ha!
But what about the part that says ‘so that everyone who believes in him should not perish’? How can we really know whether we believe in God or not? And how can we strengthen that shield?
Well, just as a student’s knowledge is checked through a test, we were, are, and will be tested.
Overcoming “Why is this happening to me?”
Are our thoughts clouded? Do we not remember who we are? Have we forgotten what we are made of?
Then it is time to turn to the Word to receive light by meditating on these points:
\1. All this will result in the best version of ourselves!
“And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, [even] to them that are called according to [his] purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
How many circumstances, whether good or seemingly bad (in our opinion), has God used to turn us into the people we are today?
\2. God certainly knows that we need perseverance!
“Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. And let patience have [its] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4)
How could we expect to achieve all the goals, plans, and projects we want to see fulfilled without exercising our perseverance? We are God’s children, and precisely so that we do not lose heart or give up at the first difficulty, we must be trained to move forward amid crisis, adversity, and change. God knows that trials develop our discipline, perseverance, focus, and determination. On the other hand, have we ever thought that trials help us lean on (trust in) God, resulting in spiritual growth?
\3. A testimony that will encourage others to believe, grow, and move forward!
“Now I would have you know, brethren, that the things [which happened] unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel; so that my bonds became manifest in Christ throughout the whole prætorian guard, and to all the rest; and that most of the brethren in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.” (Philippians 1:12-14)
Have we ever considered what kind of impact we have had (are having) on those around us? Let us remember that “teaching by example is not one way to teach; it is the only way”; therefore, let us strive to make our example authentic and inspiring!
How could we speak of God’s goodness if we do not experience it right in the midst of the trial?
Finally, “Why is this happening to me?” reminds us that we are in the best plan, in the best hands, being shaped, sanctified, and prepared for every good work!
May God continue to bless you
and may you continue to have an excellent day in Christ Jesus!
I invite you to stop by the Songbook